Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station

The room was directly opposite the elevator, the closest one possible. I’d specifically asked for a quiet room away from it when I booked six months earlier. During all four nights, I heard people coming and going and the elevator doors opening and closing. Having such a simple request ignored felt almost like mockery, and the service was extremely poor. Check-in was just as disappointing. I got no information about breakfast or amenities, and was barely spoken to beyond being told there’d be a water outage during my stay. I was also charged a little more than the amount confirmed on Booking.com. The hot water took forever to arrive and wasted a lot of water, and the bath was too shallow for a proper soak. I’ve spent a month in Japan and had excellent service at most of the other hotels, including three Toyoko Inns in different locations, so the poor hospitality here really stood out. The staff seemed put out by having to do their jobs. At checkout I was ignored, and they helped someone who arrived after me. I wouldn’t stay here again. I’d go elsewhere, where guests seem appreciated.

I stayed for three weeks and always felt cozy here. The breakfasts were much better than I expected, and the room service was perfect. The staff were amazing and helpful, too. For a 3 star hotel, the service really surprised me. I’m planning to stay here on my next visit. Recommend!

The single rooms are small, but comfortable and well insulated, and I liked that the window could be opened a little. It has a business hotel feel, though the value is excellent. The buffet breakfast was basic, with only a few choices. There’s a subway station a short walk away, plus restaurants and nightlife nearby, yet the area was surprisingly quiet.

Most of the staff were professional and helpful, which made my interaction with one front desk employee especially disappointing. She was a woman with bangs and glasses, and spoke to me repeatedly in informal Japanese (non-honorific speech). Her attitude felt strange and disrespectful for a hotel. As a foreigner, I honestly felt I might have been treated differently.